| Personal Protection - Repellents There are many different repellents on the market today. The most important thing in choosing a repellent is to use it!! Using a repellent while outdoors during times of peak mosquito activity is one of the most effective ways of reducing your risk of being bitten by mosquitoes.
Repellents that contain active ingredients that are tested and proven to be effective are the best at reducing you chance of being bitten by mosquitoes.
The District recommends using repellents containing one of these active ingredients:
*DEET
*Picaridin
*Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus
*IR3535
When purchasing repellent, look at the front of the packaging for the active ingredient. There you will find the type of repellent used and its concentration.
Generally, repellents with higher concentrations of active ingredients will be effective for longer periods of time, up to around 50%.
Children and Repellents
All repellents listed above can be used on children. Children should not handle the products. Adults should apply the products to children, avoiding spraying on hands as children often put their hands in their mouths.
EPA Recommended Guidelines
(from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/repellentupdates.htm)
EPA recommends the following precautions when using insect repellents:
Apply repellents only to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product label.) Do not use repellents under clothing.
Never use repellents over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
Do not apply to eyes or mouth, and apply sparingly around ears. When using sprays, do not spray directly on face—spray on hands first and then apply to face.
Do not allow children to handle the product. When using on children, apply to your own hands first and then put it on the child. You may not want to apply to children’s hands.
Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing. Heavy application and saturation are generally unnecessary for effectiveness. If biting insects do not respond to a thin film of repellent, then apply a bit more.
After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water or bathe. This is particularly important when repellents are used repeatedly in a day or on consecutive days. Also, wash treated clothing before wearing it again. (This precaution may vary with different repellents—check the product label.)
If you or your child get a rash or other bad reaction from an insect repellent, stop using the repellent, wash the repellent off with mild soap and water, and call a local poison control center for further guidance. If you go to a doctor because of the repellent, take the repellent with you to show the doctor. |